The Apothecary Diaries: Episode 24 FULL LENGTH Reaction!
Added 2024-12-25 14:00:05 +0000 UTC*SEASON FINALE HEADPHONE WARNINGS*
How can this series make me go from literally SOBBING to laughing in a matter of minutes?! How can it make me speed run Lakan to one of my favorite characters INSTANTLY?! But Jinshi, my dude, I will be praying for you between now and season two; you are on his HIT LIST for sure!
This season was SO amazing, and I'm so excited that I'll have only a week or two before watching the next season! I cannot WAIT! I love this show!
LINK TO REACTION: https://share.vidyard.com/watch/j2ozrYZMhLUS2aSxfWjmRb?
Thank you for watching with me and for all the support!
Comments
I'm super-late to finally watching these reactions and I'm not going to read all the past comments (some of them are really long, lol), so if you already talked about things I bring up, sorry. I think Maomao is definitely more emotionally affected by all this than she lets on. Very early, she said something about "What kind of medicine would love make?" while looking at her pinky (about Lady Fuyou getting rewarded to her officer). She had to be thinking about her mom and Lakan. In their case, love destroyed her mother but, now we see it kind of saves her as well. And Meimei...she breaks down and asks why "Big Sis" never said anything. Meimei knew Fengxian loved Lakan (and we see a tiny glimpse of it when she asks him about his next visit) but never told him or made it clear to anyone. She deliberately got pregnant, not only to avoid being bought out by someone else, but to become "devalued" enough for Lakan specifically to buy her out. But she didn't tell him, so he believed he was just another customer she used to avoid the buyout. Meimei doesn't want him for herself, I don't think. She'd be okay if he chose her, but she's been biding her time in Verdigris House (I believe) in hopes of this moment (or Fengxian's death). Meimei knew all along that if Lakan knew Fengxian was still alive, he'd want her, but Granny did not want that to happen. Granny is clearly punishing Lakan for letting Fengxian down when she needed him most (wasn't his fault exactly, but whatever) AND taking as much of his money as possible. Granny probably was also holding a grudge to some extent because Fengxian didn't only ruin herself, she brought down the Verdigris House's reputation as well, which took years to recover. Ah, Lakan. He's the one who asked Gaoshun to look into the food poisoning incident, knew what was going on at the warehouse explosion/pipe, the metal worker's sons - all the "coincidences" that sent Maomao finally running to save Jinshi at the ceremony. Like she says, he's too lazy to save Jinshi himself but he knows how to direct pieces on the chessboard and expected her to solve the whole thing. I don't think he expected her to get hurt in the process though. Okay, enough of my babble. Onto Season 2!
Serralinda
2025-08-15 15:37:18 +0000 UTCHonestly, the stars aligned for this anime this season! And yes, the Wednesday scheduling honestly works out the best for me, so I’m glad that others are okay with that! Oh yeah, it was honestly really, really sad to read about him dying. You KNOW it’s coming, but after going on that journey with him, it was really sad and got to me! Why do we NOT have more like Gaoshun (and Nanami from JJK) in anime? HUSBANDOS FOR SURE! Yeah, the Episode 19 change IS more in character for her, but I like her as more selfless in the anime; it works both ways, now that I can reflect back on it. I’m so happy we got closure on Lakan’s character and FengXian this last episode as well! I love the idea of protective dad Lakan mode! POOR JINSHI. Honestly, though, his love for FengXian skyrocketed him as one of my favorites as well. UGH, the ROMANCE. <3 I feel for MeiMei, too, and definitely want to talk about that in the intro for Season 2! I hope she finds happiness in future seasons, though! Suiren is such a grandma - I love her and Gaoshun as the “doting grandparents” - they need a pay raise, though! And yes, MaoMao shows her childish side as well when comparing herself to her dad. And YES, the fact that Gaoshun has the last word about fathers is really appropriate since he can relate! I think that MaoMao recognizes Lakan’s not a “bad man” but maybe that makes it worse for her perspective because of how she essentially didn’t have him around her whole life (despite her not knowing the full story). I am glad at the crumbs of romance we get with Jinshi and MaoMao, though! I really can’t wait to see where season 2 takes us with them! The idea of Lakan buying back time to be with her? UGH, my heart. It’s still REALLY sad to see her draped in wedding clothes, with the man she loved, finally…only for it to probably mean she had died. 🙁 It’s really sad how much MaoMao knows and yet doesn’t “know” about her and her parents’ situation overall. That’s crazy about your uncle though! I definitely feel MaoMao and Jinshi have had to grow up so quickly, that they can’t help but let their childish sides out now and then. But yes, Panicking Jinshi and Protective Jinshi are two sides of him that I looooooove! Honestly, I wouldn’t want a kiss from them just yet - they’re not THAT chummy - I like a slow burn where they’re getting to know each other slowly but surely. But YES, so cruel!! Poor Jinshi! Huckleberry has no interest in my tears, the savage! I do appreciate that Loumen is still MaoMao’s “father.” I do hope that she gives her dad some more respect in the future, but we’ll see! I definitely think 19, 23, and 24 are my top three of the season, but I’m so excited for Season 2! Happy New Year and Thanks for the comment!
Romaniablack
2025-01-03 20:59:15 +0000 UTCHonestly, the only reason I’m not sad is because I know season 2 is on the way! But YES, Episodes 19, 23, and 24 are my top 3 for sure! I definitely agree there is such a connection with Frieren in the quality and getting you to care for the characters and world they’re inhabiting! We definitely have been feasting good this year! The shorts are SO good! I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about them, but I had SO much fun with them, so I highly recommend it! I really am going to be sad if FengXian has died, but happy that Lakan got to spend her last moments alongside her. But yes, I’m sooooo excited for season 2 and to see what we get! Thank you for the comment and kind words!
Romaniablack
2025-01-03 15:30:33 +0000 UTCYou definitely got a perfect time to react to this anime with Season 2 airing soon. Completely understand keeping the episode on a Wednesday. Do it within your schedule in a way that won't stress you out. Also I understand trying to hold off reacting to this episode because it being the last of Season 1...it's honestly why it's taken me nearly a full week to watch too 😅 Very emotional end to The Last Eunuch of China 🥺💔 He got to a good age, but it is emotional having read all his experiences. This is why I tend to not read biographies, especially ones where the person it is about has passed away. I'd be much more of an emotional wreck than you otherwise 😅 Gaoshun getting Number 1 Husbando for this series is definitely one of my favourite parts of people's reactions to this anime 😆 We need more male characters like him in other anime. The change for Episode 19 definitely makes Maomao much less selfless, but (considering her obsession with such things) I do feel like her focus being on the ox bezoar being more in character for how Maomao can get blinkered when it comes to ingredients for medicines or poisons. But by the anime making her more selfless does make her a more appealing character. Loved we got Lakan's backstory last episode and then immediately are given overprotective Dad!Lakan at the beginning of this episode 🤣 And then to see him be so frantic in his rush to see Fengxian really helped shoot him up my list for characters I like, especially when he sees her as she was 🥺 Also that single tear as he looks upon her, followed by his tears just flowing as he laughs in happiness? So perfect 😍 The transition of seeing Fengxian unmarked by syphilis is definitely the moment it hits hardest for me that Lakan truly loves her. As you said, Fengxian is perfect to him 🥺 I do feel for Meimei in that moment though. She probably spent more time with Lakan than Fengxian did (she's the one who would entertain him when Lakan couldn't afford time with Fengxian), and any time he visited Verdigris House after he believed Fengxian died, Meimei is the one that entertained him 🥺 And yet she couldn't say anything. Even at the end she just opened the door for Lakan to follow the music and find the truth himself. I'm sure it was very painful for her to live through that situation of misunderstandings 💔 Lakan's grin is no longer shown as fox-like or sinister when he looks upon Fengxian and smiles. That's pure happiness for him 🥺 Suiren being the caretaking grandmother 🥺 I love the way they all try to take care of Maomao, especially when it comes to her eating habits (and getting too focused on work to the point she loses weight). Honestly think "I'm here because he was able to land that shot" may be slightly fancier than calling Lakan a sperm donor 😆 But I do love Jinshi being perturbed by it. Maomao's jealousy of Lakan though, to me, definitely shows her young age. I love Gaoshun reminding both Jinshi and Maomao that no father wants to be disliked. And neither of them makes a comment in return. But it is a good choice to have someone in their lives like Gaoshun who can come at things, such as Lakan, from a father's perspective 🥺 I do find it interesting that, even though she dislikes Lakan, part of her wanted him to buy out Meimei and give her a life outside of the brothel. It really shows that she can separate her own feelings regarding Lakan and what a good outcome would be for a courtesan she's been so close to all her life. The letter Meimei sent told Maomao that Lakan bought out Fengxian. So Maomao's only reaction to the news was that she'd wanted Meimei to be the one bought out, but she also chose to dance to celebrate Fengxian leaving the brothel, as she would have if it had been Meimei bought out instead. She tells Jinshi it's a custom for the other courtesans to dance for their sister courtesan being bought out. Maomao can't be physically with them for the celebration because she doesn't have leave from the palace and Jinshi, so instead she chooses to dance in a place she can view the Hanamachi District (just like Consort Fuyou chose the wall in the same direction her beloved was back in Episode 3) 🥺 It isn't her practising for when she'll dance on the occasion Meimei is bought out, but an actual celebratory dance for the courtesan Lakan has bought. When you mentioned Jinshi seeing Maomao dance like that I did start giggling in anticipation for his reveal. Loved your shock and how it turned into immediate worry for Maomao. I do think that moment was well done as it's realistic most people would jump in shock at suddenly seeing a person standing nearly right behind them after they finished dancing like that 😂 Thank goodness for Jinshi's quick reflexes though. Also giving us those crumbs of romance tropes with the way he saved her 🥰 Lakan forking out the money to pay for an extra four days and nights of celebrating his beloved Fengxian really shows how much he truly loves her. Also, for me, it felt like he was trying to give her back the time they'd lost. If he hadn't been sent away by his father when he was, and been able to buy Fengxian out, considering her high status at the time such an elaborate celebration may not have been as unexpected. To me this, alongside him seeing her as she was, really shows that what's happened in all those years since they were together holds no meaning to him, and he sees her for the almost untouchable beauty and sharp-minded courtesan she was back then 🥲 But yes the way Fengxian's lying on the bed, draped in wedding clothes, does make it seem like she may have passed 🥺 Learning that Maomao has known from a young age that her birth almost brought the downfall of Verdigris House is painful. Young children shouldn't have to know such things as it can make them mature far too quickly. The bit about her finger is something I unfortunately already knew about because my uncle lost part of his little finger when he was a young boy too (though it was a very good lesson for all his nieces and nephews on the dangers of playing with the gap in doors on the side of the hinges 😬) Panicking Jinshi is definitely up there as one of my favourite reactions from him 🤣 I feel like his frantic worry over both Maomao bleeding and then her plan to stitch herself up, helped show his real age for once. Even though you know we're not getting a kiss at the end of this moment, and they're just being cruel, it doesn't stop you from watching in anticipation as Maomao leans closer to Jinshi at the end. Damn girl knows how to use her feminine wiles, but I don't think she fully realises the issue of doing that to Jinshi of all people 😂 The after credits is just enough of a tease to want more 💕 I do love how this anime gives us Romance. Like you said it's more covered by the side characters and pairings, whilst we get slow burn moments with Jinshi and Maomao. Huckleberry's not interested in your tears over the tragic beauty of Lakan and Fengxian's relationship 😆 I would say though that, to me, Maomao treats both Lakan and Fengxian the same way in regards to how she doesn't consider herself to be their daughter. Luomen is the one who raised her and she is his daughter, as he is her father. Whilst Lakan is just a donor, and Fengxian is just the woman who birthed her. I do love that they've given us this concept because, to me, it's a nice piece of commentary around adoption and family or Found Family. Yes, she is related to Luomen by blood, but his emotional relationship (i.e. being Maomao's father) trumps that of their blood tie (i.e. being Maomao's great-uncle). I agree that this is one of the shows that hasn't had any slower episodes or episodes that just felt like filler or trying to pad out the story more. Episode 23 is probably my favourite of this season because it has the right amount of intrigue, reveals, comedy, romance, and backstory that I adore. Looking forward to the chibi reaction tomorrow! 💖 Happy New Years! 🥳
Anime Annie
2024-12-31 17:09:30 +0000 UTCThank you for your comment and thoughts on the episode! Lakan really has taken a turn as a character in this series, hasn’t he? I totally can agree with MaoMao dancing for her mom up on the wall. I really like that we see MaoMao maybe hiding her feelings towards her parents, maybe as self-preservation? I”m really hoping we get more on that as we get into season 2 and yessss, Jinshi and MaoMao – give me more of their dynamic! I can’t wait to see how it develops!
Romaniablack
2024-12-30 04:35:56 +0000 UTCLakan wanting revenge on Jinshi -- oh bless this man -- he has no clue what is in store for him! Though, I love everyone's dynamics in this episode! I do appreciate that MaoMao loves Loumen, because he raised her and taught her everything she knows - I hope one day that she can at least be on....civil terms or an even level with Lakan, but you can tell our girl is as stubborn as a cat! Thank you so much for the comment!
Romaniablack
2024-12-30 00:55:02 +0000 UTCI'd miss this show's reactions and discussions if it weren't starting up again so soon, haha! It's been great catching these weekly - thank you, and I agree, there's no misses in this show - every episode is just a joy with 19, 23, and 24 being especially great! I feel like Frieren was very similar for me overall (almost perfect) but just launches itself out of the stratosphere with those first three episodes where times flies by us. I was sobbing so much and that high level of emotional connection I had with seeing the loss of cherished friends, final promises and just the beautiful art style with the fantasy characters really tugged on my heartstrings more than any show has before and is really the reason I'm here watching reactions today! I discovered what a joy it was to experience content creators' reactions from that show. I've never seen these shorts that are coming up next week, so I'm looking forward to that! I also am hoping your theory about MaoMao's mother passing away proves to be incorrect, but you might be on to something with the seven-day celebration occurring, MaoMao is just such a tough read, I wonder how she'd handle/process her mother passing? I do think she cares a lot about her still, despite her condition and her being away for so long working in the rear palace. If the connections to Sherlock are accurate, that just means the best is still ahead of us! I don't think I've ever seen a Sherlock where the opening acts were the strongest, it's always better as more and more pieces start coming into the picture!
L Freya
2024-12-28 02:15:50 +0000 UTCJust a few thoughts here: Lakan, as has been discussed, is set up as creepy and kind of villainous until Episodes 23 and 24. You then found out that he is actually a doting father, albeit a little creepy one, who loves his daughter. He also loved Fengxian but was lead to believe that she was dead all this time. He becomes a sympathetic and likeable character in two episodes. I am with you about how touching it was that he saw Fengxian. I agree with you that MaoMao was dancing for her mother. She went up on the wall facing the "redlight" district when there were probably other walls. The whole situation shows that she does have some feelings towards her mother and does understand Lakan to some degree as well. The interplay between Jinshi and MaoMao at the very end is quite fun. Like you, I am looking forward to season two as well.
C. Davis
2024-12-27 15:30:37 +0000 UTCI adore everyone’s interaction in this episode. Larkan wanting to hurt Jinishi for touching his daughter is the sweetest and terrifying thing ever. Goushin was so right for what he said, but MaoMao loves her father Lomun. She is such a gremlin for doing that to Jinishi. And Larkan is totally Mycroft.
LoreleiS
2024-12-25 16:48:51 +0000 UTC
